University of Texas at Austin 2014 Commencement Address - Admiral William H. McRaven

Remarks by Naval Adm. William H. McRaven, BJ '77, ninth commander of U.S.Special Operations Command, Texas Exes Life Member, and Distinguished Alumnus.

University-Wide Commencement

The University of Texas at Austin, May 17, 2014.

[catz]

This guy is a living legend. I recently reached out to him to help support and inspire my Dad to go through some important medical procedures that he was scared of and refusing. I didn't expect much but 2 days later he called Dad and managed to convince him. He has told me to call him anytime Dad needs anything. Completely blown away by his generosity of spirit. Furthermore he lives by the principals. Never miss the chance to inspire.

[thomasw]

Saw this speech 1 year ago. I am 50 years old. I started to make our bed every day. After 3 months my wife said: " You have changed. You are more positive as you ever was." This speech changed me. I was always positive, but now I feel that I can still change everything I want when I believe in myself. Greetings from Austria.

[lsswe]

As a non american I cant figure out why you guys dont have men like this as presidents

[joeguilfoyle]

This will go down as one of the best speeches ever.

[Twister]

Notice how the crowd gets quieter as his speech goes on...he definitely had their attention. That is the mark of an outstanding speech!

[atech]

1. Make your bed
2. Find people to paddle with you
3. Measure the size of heart, not flippers
4. Get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward
5. Don't be afraid of the circuses
6. Sometimes you have to slide down obstacles head first
7. Don't back down from the sharks
8. You must be your very best in the darkest moments
9. Start singing when you're up to your neck in mud. Hope for everyone
10. Don't ever, ever ring the bell

[elizabradley]

At almost the lowest point in my life ramdomly came across this speech. Not in a battlefield but my mine field was jobless, spouse very delicate brain sugery, son hit by a car, did not see how to move forward. Was going to have to give up our home but had to find a way to keep it. Had to fix the home by myself to get a loan. Took 2½ years to secure the loan. All repairs done by me. Got all done but the last step was repairing roof. I skitterred all over the roof repairing securing the tiles. Trimmed trees by standing on the roof. At last done & came down my ladder up on ground head bleeding just stood up blood streaming my sides. Went inside washed the blood off & immediately continued sanding the house im prep for painting. My car blew the seals so only way to get groceries was walk. Did that made dinner. That night though was in pain like I never knew ~ my back was screaming ~ allowed myself tylenol ~ next day I knew had to keep painting ~ had to finish pullng all the weeds out of the yard & trim all the bushes prune all bushes. Got my inspection got my loan. Continued to walk 3-4 miles daily for groceries carried on my back til 2 years later but started to fall down a lot. Then in March too much lack of balance & pain. Well keep going. Do not have good medical care so tough it out. I do not like canes but finally gave in a month ago though with my momentum just start running without the cane. Keep moving. Keep moving. Keep moving. Yard is a mess again plumbing needs repair roof needs more repair but McRaven's tinder resonates through my inner sanctum ~ keep moving keep moving keep moving ~ ride over pain like surfing a huge wave 🌊🏄‍♀️ keep moving keep moving keep moving ~ 🪜🧗‍♀️🏊‍♀️🏃‍♂️🦘

[jaredmello]

I still get the chills and goosebumps every time I come back to this speech. So powerful.

[tabithasuzuma]

1. Start each day with a task completed.
2. Find someone to help you through life.
3. Respect everyone.
4. Know that life is not fair and that you will fail often.
5. Take some risks
6. Step up when times are toughest.
7. Face down the bullies.
8. Lift up the downtrodden.
9. Give people hope.
10. Never ever give up.

[Yourworldwithin]

I come back to this at least once a week. Possibly one of the best speeches ever written

[cripple]

Why can't this guy run for president

[fitmindops]

Timestamps

1. Start by Making Your Bed: Starts at (05:03)
2. Find Someone to Help You Paddle: Starts at (06:17)
3. Measure People by the Size of Their Heart: Starts at (07:36)
4. Get Over Being a Sugar Cookie: Starts at (08:40)
5. Don't Be Afraid of the Circus: Starts at (10:06)
6. Slide Down the Obstacle Head First: Starts at (11:45)
7. Don't Back Down from the Sharks: Starts at (12:55)
8. Be Your Best in Your Darkest Moments: Starts at (14:04)
9. Start Singing When You're Up to Your Neck in Mud: Starts at (16:02)
10. Don't Ever Ring the Bell: Starts at (17:51)

[XrayOfficial]

u can tell by his voice he is a natural leader

[americasdream]

Admiral McRaven is one of the most modest humble men I have ever known, and yes I really do know him he was my commander. He was the calming men you will ever see. When things got tense he was at his best. I don't think he would want to be the president of the United States, he is to honest to be a politician. Enjoy your life Sir, you deserve that

[dwrabauke]

This is hands down the best motivation speech on the internet.
Basically the fundamental truth of life.

[angelalandestoy]

Every time that I feel like it wasn't worth it all the efforts and the sacrifices made, I come back to this video and regain hope within my darkest moments. This speech is a real motivational exercise.

[snagiindifferent]

“You don’t know how strong you are unless being strong is the only option left”

[k]

amazing speech, , , keep all the points in mind.
1. Make your bed
2. Find someone to help you paddle
3. Measure a person by the size of their heart not by the size of their flippers
4. Get over being a “sugar cookie” and keep moving forward
5. Don’t be afraid of the circuses
6. Slide down the obstacles headfirst
7. Don’t back down form the sharks
8. Be your best in the darkest moments
9. Start singing when you are up to your neck in mud
10. Don’t ever, ever ring the bel

[markkrummick]

I am the son of a Naval drill instructor.I am 58 yrs old.I was given this an alternative form of this same speech at an early age.To this day the first thing I do is make my bed.This discipline although unwanted at the time changed my life in so many ways.Thanks Dad, love and miss you!!

[johnmacri]

An example of the pinnacle of a military career and how great this country and its men and women are. This should be mandatory in every high school
And college. I love this man and watch this often.